Camp Fire victim Jesus Fernandez remembered as loyal...

1of 2Jesus Fernandez, 48, of Concow, was among the first victims of the Camp Fire blaze identified by the Butte County coroner's office. In this undated photograph, he is pictured with his dog, King. Fernandez was known by family and friends as "Zeus."Photo: Courtesy of Myrna Pascua /

2of 2Jesus Fernandez, 48, of Concow, was among the first victims of the Camp Fire blaze identified by the Butte County coroner's office. He was known by family and friends as "Zeus."Photo: Courtesy of Myrna Pascua

Jesus Alejandro Fernandez was remembered Tuesday by relatives as being a loving father and supportive neighbor, a day after authorities named him as one of three people killed in the Camp Fire this week.

“(He) was the epitome of determination, respect, loyalty, and perseverance,” read a family statement provided to the Chronicle. “A tireless provider, a dependable and loyal friend, a considerate neighbor, and loving father, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

Fernandez, 48, was affectionately known by family and friends as “Zeus,” and was last seen with his German Shepard dog named King. His family could not be reached for further comment on Tuesday.

He was among 48 victims whose remains have been recovered since the fire began. Authorities have released the identities of three victims.

A GoFundMe campaign created by friends and family described Fernandez as charismatic, energetic and the type of man to help with anyone who needed assistance, from offering water to community members or providing his truck to those in need.

“Although he was a great friend to have in good times, he also was a friend you wanted when things were rough,” read the GoFundMe statement. “Someone who would have your back no matter what. A very deep individual with an enormous sense of loyalty and attachment to his friends and family. Someone who lived his life honorably.”

He lived on the 3000 block of Broken Glass Circle in Concow, at the edge of sprawling wildlife, just east of the Concow Creek. The area was known to have poor cell service, “brutal terrain,” and limited roads out of the city, according to the GoFundMe page.

Fernandez is survived by his only son, Zach Fernandez, who lives in Las Vegas.

The GoFundMe campaign asks for the public’s help in raising funds for a funeral and memorial service for Fernandez in Las Vegas.

Lauren Hernández joined The San Francisco Chronicle in 2018. She covers crime, mayhem and breaking news. Previously, she was a breaking news reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s Statesman Journal in Salem, Oregon. She graduated from San Jose State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s of science in journalism and a minor in philosophy. She is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She is also a licensed drone pilot through the Federal Aviation Administration.